Around 500 bikers formed a funeral cortege to Grimsby Minster to remember Fergus O’Connell.

The procession with a motorcycle and sidebar carrying his coffin left Hainton Avenue and travelled along Freeman Street and the A180 and into Boulevard Avenue and Cromwell Road before arriving at the minster.

Mr O’Connell, 50, was a key member in the North East Lincolnshire Motorcycle Action Group and died on November 7 at home.

Comments

Been a bit out of touch for a wee while brother, didn't hear you had gone ahead until after the funeral. Keep me a seat and I'll bring a bottle of fiddich. Take care big man til we meet again.
Much respect, condolences to the family. Regards Papa (da Moog)

I had the honour to take part and it seemed to me that it was a pity that a respected member of our comunity had to die for me to enjoy the feeling of the wind in whats left of my hair!
Carol and I had 2 bikers crash out at our place. One had ridden down from Kendal and the other travelled all the way from Southamton, to see Ferg off. Those acheivements seemed to pail into insignificance when we met the Scottish rep at the crem, he'd just popped down from Edinburgh!

Captain Blue, thankyou for the explanation, it truly never occurred to me and I didn't know anything about any motorbike riders etiquette. Obviously I also know very little about MAG and what principles it stands for too. I've never ridden a motorbike in my life so for my ignorance, I apologise for any offence caused.
Teal85, my sincere apologies and condolences.

There is a huge difference travelling 5 to 10 mph without a helmet than at 30+ mph. This is a respect thing and fully understandable.
Hayden... You should try stop being a helmet yourself and consider such facts. I applaud this show of solidarity and respect. The man was clearly well liked and respected. Kudos to those who made the effort.

Fergus was my father,
It was such a beautiful day, and a MAGnificent send off for a truly wonderful man. He would have been so proud of everyone today, it was just how he wanted it. His fellow bikers, family and friends, riding with him on his last journey.
People who chose not to wear their helmets did so for their friend, to honor and respect him and I applaud them for that, and so would he. It was an amazing turn out, people came from overseas to wish their friend a fond farewell.
I feel honored and blessed to have been part of his life. He lived more in his 50 years than most of us would do if we lived to be 100. There is alot that can be learned from Fergus.
I can imagine him quoting the great Winston Churchill right now, "I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter". He and Churchy have this is common, I do not think our maker could prepare enough for meeting men like them. Ride on Pappa Bear. xxx
Hayden, in the words of a great man 'Stop being such a girl' and throwing a hissy. Really, a mans funeral, and you have nothing better to do than to moan and whine because the people escorting him on his final ride did not wear their helmets. I know where you can put your helmet mate.

by rasputin47,one day or night in time to come hayden2001,you like the rest of us come to the end of your life and i hope there will as many people turn out for your funeral,and show you the same respect as we have shown to Fergus a true biker through and through,and if the police had stopped me and fined me for not wearing my helmet which was a show of respect for a fellow biker i would gladly put my hand in my pocket and pay my fine and accept the points as well BECAUSE nobody made me ride without my helmet it was my choice as an individual to do so,we lose so much choice to big brother as it is that is why we stand together for what we beleive in.